There is something about the word "accepted" that makes us happy...comfortable...at rest.

We all want to feel like we're accepted. Accepted in normal society, accepted with our friends, even our family. There is a wonderful feeling that you have when you have friends and family that love you unconditionally and accept you in all circumstances.

My son received his "acceptance letter" from ACU last week. It was packaged beautifully, as if you might want to keep it and treasure it forever. To have your name on the top of the letter..."Dear Avery"...and to continue reading that it is their pleasure to inform you that you've been "accepted" to Abilene Christian University is quite a good feeling.

It just seems like yesterday I was feeling all these feelings because my sweet daughter was receiving the same letter and preparing to graduate and go to Texas. I wondered if I would feel the same sadness...surely, I'd be used to it. More practiced. An old pro at this "child leaving home" thing. Nope.

Avery is one of the sweetest, kindest, smartest young men I know. Not because of anything I've done...but because he's been showered with God's goodness and mercy through a huge community of people who love him unconditionally, and accept him all the time.

So, congratulations Avery. I had no doubts they would want you.

And really, Congratulations Abilene Christian University! You're getting a magnificent young man!

Blessings.

My children thought it would be nice to give their Daddy a puppy for Christmas! He's been wanting another dog for quite some time now, and I was the one who kept saying "please, no." We have a dog. A very sweet old dog. A dog that I have loved very much in spite of my "no dog" rule.

So, to bring in another puppy, to me, just didn't make sense. Puppies are like babies. They cry and poop and pee and need to be fed and cared for 24/7. I knew I had lost the battle when at Christmas time, a friend of my daughter's dog had puppies. Black lab/German Shepherd puppies. I finally gave in when the kids said, "Dad doesn't ask for much, ever, so we think we should listen when he asks..." So the kids took off to go choose the puppy for their Dad.

It seems that life has been hectic and crazy since Christmas and I've not introduced you to Lex's new love. This is Jake... He is hysterical and yes, he's a mess. He is a very good dog, though, and although I was against it, watching a grown man cry when his children handed him their gift to him changed my mind.

I guess I'm just destined to always have a dog around. It's one of those marriage compromises we make because it makes the other person very happy.

It's worth it.

Happy Birthday James

I tried to blog on James' birthday, but blogger wouldn't allow. Seems to be less touchy today...

James is funny...very funny. I find myself amused by him often, just like I am amused by his Daddy often. At least James hasn't figured out, yet, how to get me in trouble in church by making me laugh. Give him time, though, because he definitely has his Daddy's genes in the silly category.

James is sweet and kind. He's turning from the natural selfish instincts we all have, to a boy with a heart of empathy and concern.

James is learning to be a Christ follower.

James doesn't quite get yet how blessed he is. Maybe we all don't quite get it. But James has a very large community of people who will pray with him, play with him, love him unconditionally, and teach him constantly.

He is blessed, and he in turn is a blessing to us.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET JAMES!

Spring Break

Ashley flew in today at noon to begin her 10 days of Spring Break.

It's so good to see her and hear about the ways she is growing and experiencing life.

Some things hurt deeply, like letting your child go 1411 miles away to College, however, there couldn't have been a better place for her to grow and develop as a Godly woman.

So, I'll continue giving things up to God, because He seems to know what he's doing!

For all those on Spring Break this week...Enjoy!! And stay safe...

Blessings.

Joe Beam

Did any of you see Joe Beam on the Today show yesterday?

I was getting ready for work and had it on. I listen but don't usually stop to watch unless something strikes my fancy.

Yesterday, they continued to "tease" this segment with sentences like:

"An evangelical preacher talking about something very uncomfortable..."
or
"Wait till you see what this evangelical preacher is talking to his folks about..."

I didn't pay much attention, but when they actually ran the story, they said his name which made me stop and watch. They ran a tape of him speaking to his audiences about sex and the pleasures and joy and blessing of it. They then did a live interview with him.

His message was good. They even had someone on with him to "counteract" what he was saying, but she couldn't. When it came her turn, she simply said "I think what he's teaching is great!"

So good to see the church in a positive light, isn't it? Maybe if we can talk to the world about things that grab their attention, we can eventually talk to them about their salvation.

Blessings.

Habits

The thing about habits is that they are so...well...habitual.

I mean, if it's a true habit, it's something you do without even thinking, right?

Let me give you a list of things I wish I were in the "habit" of doing...

1. Wake at 5:00 am every morning to go for a brisk-cardio-healthy-oxygen-pumping-hour-long walk.

2. Spend at least 2 hours each day in prayer. 1 hour just meditating and listening, and one hour conversing with no distraction/interruption with my Heavenly Father.

3. Eat only when I am hungry...and here's the best one, stop eating when I'm full.

4. Actually send the card or make the visit when I know someone could use it.

...and the list could go on and on of things I wish I were better at...

But, here are the things that I am in the habit of:

1. Telling my children how much I love them and how proud of them I am...every day.

2. Talking to God all the time, even if I don't carve out the specific private time.

3. Getting those cards/visits done about 75% of the time.

4. Cooking to my hearts delight beginning with baked goods and dinners that almost always start with a cube of butter.

5. Eating when I'm anxious, but not necessarily hungry.

6. Eating when I'm happy, but not necessarily hungry.

7. Eating when I'm sad, but not necessarily hungry.

These are all things I do without thinking. These ARE my habits. And although some of them are wonderful, some are dangerous.

My husband and I both received word from our Dr's this weekend/week. Mine on Friday, and truthfully, I forgot about it in the worry of my husbands episodes. But today, it's all coming back to me.

We have changes to make. Not easy changes...not changes that will happen over night. We have life changes to make.

It is as if we are alcoholic, or addicted to drugs, or any other physical/mental problem that people deal with. It will be no easier for us than for those kicking their bad habits.

So, I ask you all for one thing. Pray for us. Don't nag...don't give advice...we have plenty of people doing that and there will come a moment when I will probably have to ask those good intentioned souls to stop. Just pray.

Our changes will determine how long we live. So, just pray.

Thank you.
Blessings

It is good to be home with my husband tonight...

They worked hard, medically/drug-wise, to get his blood pressure down just so they could give him the medication that "amps" him up as to running a marathon. He said it was very weird feeling the feelings of running hard and long all the while laying still.

He has bruises from i.v. inputs, bruises from taking his blood pressure every half hour for the past 3 days, and sore muscles from not so comfy hospital beds. But, he's home and I couldn't be happier.

The stress test proved no damage to his heart. Valves are open and flowing properly. No blockages. The only problem seems to be a calloused heart. (silly wording...they obviously don't know lex) The walls of his heart are tough and thick from too much time ignoring the high blood pressure and not taking his medication.

He is a changed man. He has many people very frustrated, but grateful. He won't get away with not taking his medicine ever again.

He has a very ugly orange shirt that he happens to love. He came walking out in that ugly orange shirt after his first shower in three days. He's never looked so good to me.

Thank you for those who knew and prayed. We were overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and concern. Community is a beautiful thing...

Valentines Day...the morning after.

What a sweet Valentine night I had. I spent it with my two favorite boys...my husband and my son.

I love occasions that cause you to stop and say how much someone means to you...and Valentines Day is one of those occasions.

I am fully aware I have very little "normal home" time left with my Avery, so last night, Lex and I cooked a wonderful dinner at home. I don't like going out on holidays like this because everything is overpriced, crowded, and short on relaxation!

Lex BBQ'd steaks and we had baked potatoes and green beans and beautiful bread. We sipped sparkling cider from wedding present champagne glasses, and a home made heart chocolate cake for dessert! The table had a fresh red table cloth and I wore my new (from Christmas) red apron.

We gave Avery what any truck owning 17 year old boy would want...gas gift cards! And my sweet husband came walking in with a beautiful "kitchen-y" basket from William Sonoma with fresh dish towels, kitchen tools, a Paula Deen DVD Set (I love that woman), and pixie sticks. Yes, you read that correctly. I adore pixie sticks.

The presents were fun. The dinner was fabulous. But the best part was the conversation. The laughter. The silliness. The "just-being-together".

I'm not waiting until a holiday to do it again. Every time you get to be together with your family should be viewed as a special occasion.

Blessings...

One of my favorite things to do these days, is lay on my sons bed, which is bumped right up against his desk/computer, of which he spends countless hours. So, sometimes, if I want a conversation with him, I must go to him.

The bed is a great place because I'm not standing over him, I'm relaxed, which seems to relax him, and I can't see the computer screen...so he knows I'm just there for him and not to "check up" on him. (Not that I'm beyond that, but it's just not usually necessary.)

He was IM-ing with his sister last night. I love watching him giggle quietly as their comments to each other flew...and I mean FLEW back and forth. They are both very witty people, so when they get together, it can be amusing.

I just sat back, enjoyed the sounds of his room, (computer, fish tank, music, etc.). I was looking around in between conversation with him and his sister, and then my eyes landed on the top of the inside of his closet. Hot Wheel Tracks and cars, Robots, Legos, and on the floor, Dump Trucks, Children's Books, and so on. My son takes very good care of his "stuff" and has saved some things for his son.

My eyes filled, my throat closed up...my heart pounded. Where did the time go? I looked at him, and then back to the closet and back to him. His sweet face, and beautiful spirit...funny heart and sometimes difficult personality, his sideburns and muscles...

I don't think I'm alone in missing the grown up stuff at times. I think, as parents, we tend to see our kids as just kids. Maybe not babies, but definitely not grown up people.

My son is a grown up person. Complete with a mind of his own and a heart determined to be on it's own path. He's an amazing, caring, hard working young man.

I miss the Legos, the feet of track and cars I would trip over. I miss the sweet boy who couldn't sit close enough to you. I miss the gentle "do whatever you say" spirit. But, those days were just a preparation for what he is now...and what he is becoming.

Look out world. There is one awesome young man about to enter your gates!

Contagious Passion...

I have been talking recently with someone who is very dear to me...my daughter.

We talk often, but the conversations contained in the past two days have not been the typical mother-daughter stuff as usual. Oh, those words are still there...but there's more.

She is being awakened to a hurting world, a lost world, a world she is beginning to feel a responsibility to. ACU does a beautiful job of informing and presenting many different ways you can be involved in the "betterment" of this planet. She has grabbed on with gusto.

Her passion is contagious. Her heart is full of ideas. Her mind is reeling with possibilities.

Do you remember that feeling? Before you "got the sense knocked into you?" Before you let reality set in? Before you decided you could only do so much?

I am so grateful for her passion. I think it's time the church wakes up to this generation of intelligent, passionate, amazing people. We could learn, or re-learn, much from them.

Do we really want to be missional? Do we? Really?

It's not pretty...but, goodness, it's beautiful!

I am one tired puppy.
It wasn't the endless Christmas rehearsals, nor was it the long hours planning and enjoying the ZOE Conference. It wasn't the Super Bowl Party and it isn't the daily tasks of life. I'm just tired. I've been going to the Dr since August trying to figure this whole thing out. So far, we are continuing to treat the effects of the imbalances (no jokes please), but haven't discovered the REASON for the imbalance.

Randy once told me there is no guilt in blogland, and I don't have to apologize for not writing on a regular basis. I'm trying to believe that!

I have had so many "God moments" I've wanted to share for the past couple of months, but really just haven't had the energy.

So, my friends, I will ask you again to pray for my health. I know there are those in much worse situations than I, and I feel silly even bringing it up. But, it's a constant cloud over my every day comings and goings.

God has been so evident in my life. He is so very good to me. He is constant and faithful. I want to be teachable. I don't ever want to think " I've arrived " at some kind of spiritual maturity. But Satan can seep into you through discouragement and this has been a long enough battle for me to become discouraging.

Thank you in advance for your presence in my life and the prayers you will say on my behalf.

It's ZOE Week!

How many of you will I have the pleasure of seeing this weekend?

Pray for this special time, please.

Safe travels for those coming from distant places.
Hearts open. Minds willing to stretch and discover. Hands ready to do.

May you all be blessed this week whether or not your in our midst here for the conference.

We'll talk more next week!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEY!

It doesn't seem possible, but today my first baby turns 19!

She will spend the day in the air and in the Dallas airport...waiting.

Her flight was supposed to leave yesterday, but there were ice and snow storms that prevented the planes from landing in Dallas. So, very early this morning, her Dad and I took her back to the airport hoping and praying that the air was clear enough to send her on her way. Classes were cancelled today at ACU because so many are having difficulty getting back to Abilene.

As we pray today, remember all the kids driving and flying trying to get back to school. Icy roads, Icy planes, Icy trains...very scary for parents and kids.

I don't know what I did to deserve such a beautiful and talented young woman to claim as my daughter...but I'm so very thankful for her. She is a bright, shining light in my world.

Happy Birthday my sweet baby!

We are headed to Pismo this afternoon. It is a combination New Year's celebration but, more important, we are celebrating Lex turning 40 this month.

Hard to believe! The fact that 2006 is drawing to a close, AND, the fact that my sweet man is turning 40.

We plan on relaxing, eating, laughing, playing games, lighting off some almost legal fireworks on New Year's Eve, and generally, just refreshing ourselves and enjoying time together.

I wish you all could be with us. That would make it even better...but, for now, let me just say Happy New Year to you all!

May God's hand continue to be on you and your family.
May you find new and beautiful ways to serve in the Kingdom in 2007, and may you be inspired to seek out every missional opportunity in the coming year.

Blessings!

The Morning After

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Day with family.

It is so good to be together.

I am amazed each year by the generosity and thoughtfulness of people.

I woke up this morning feeling very blessed and fortunate.

God is good. God is amazing.
I am so thankful to be his child.
What a wonderful thing.

What a wonderful night!

Singers were fantastic.

Children were priceless.

Narrators were perfect.

Tech team was flawless.

Seniors holding candles were precious.

Interpreters (sign language) were exquisite.

Amongst the practiced and rehearsed, God came.
He filled up the room.
He filled up the hearts.

He did for us last night what He does for us every day...
He covered us with grace and mercy and made us better than we really are!
Thank you, Jesus...Thank you!

This is what I want to feel like...
This is how I want to be seen...
This is my goal...










This is how I feel inside!







But don't tell...I don't want it to get out that I'm losing my mind and wondering how in the world I'm going to pull this all off. I mean, everything. The Musical, Christmas, Presents, Worship this Sunday, Pictures for the directory...(do you know how stressful that is? C'mon...admit it, directory pics are horrible!)

God is in charge, God is in charge, God is in charge...

O.K. I feel better.
Now, does anyone out there have a 3 day diet that will allow me to continue to eat but lose about 50 lbs before Sunday? Anybody?
I sure hope my dress zips up Sunday night!

Have a good Wednesday!

Rehearsal went well...there are some little gliches we need to work out, however, I believe we are on target for a wonderful night this coming Sunday. YIKES!!

I've even managed to get some Christmas shopping done with presents wrapped and under the tree. I keep wondering what I've forgotten because things seem to be running rather smoothly.

I had one "key" alto tell me yesterday they had a family conflict with our Saturday morning rehearsal...that's the rehearsal where every single person is in place. It all comes together on that morning, except this year...this year we will be depending on the airlines, the weather, and general holiday travel to get that alto back and in her place on Sunday. No problem...

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Working on a very cool band we've named the "House Band" for a worship time at the ZOE conference in January. If you're able, come check out the conference the last weekend in January. (26th - 28th) It's wonderful to see people able to use their gifts and passion for their instrument in a worship element. I feel sorry, sometimes, for the folks who have such a love for their instrument but have a commitment to the Church of Christ. This isn't a debate for or against instrumental music...just simply an observation.

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Had a wonderful chat with one of the sweetest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. She's a rock here at College...somebody who has been here since the beginning. She encourages constantly, sees the best in people, continues to study and learn about Jesus Christ. She is over 70, and yet, continues to learn like a 5 year old. With passion and hunger for more. She's one who will say to me, "I don't tell you enough what a wonderful job you do." What a blessing to have people like that in your life. I was looking at her this morning as we were chatting and thinking I hope I can be as gracious and beautiful and Godly as she when I'm an older woman. Beautiful example.

Have a wonderful week, Bloggers. Try to catch the goodness of it all as this season becomes more hectic with each passing day.

December 7 is a date that many remember as Pearl Harbor Day.

December 7 holds additional meaning for me.

I remember my Dad as gentle. He never raised his voice or yelled.

I remember my Dad as a Bible scholar...always reading and studying.

I remember that my Dad broke C of C lines as he had Saturday prayer meetings with Catholics, Pentecostal, and even "one-cuppers".

I remember he struggled...really struggled with depression.

I remember listening to him talk about heaven, and being with God, and how much he was looking forward to that.

I remember my Dad coming in every night to tuck me into bed and telling me the story that always began..."once upon a time, there was a beautiful little girl..." I never tired of the story of my adoption according to Dad.

I remember my Dad could tell a joke.

And boy, oh boy, could he sneeze! That man scared us to death with his sneezes!

I remember my Dad bought my Mom really pretty clothes. For the most part, church clothes. Nice clothes. Things she would never have bought for herself.

I remember my Dad thanking my Mom for the good dinner...every single night.

I remember my Dad telling me there was something special about Lex.

I remember putting Ashley on his lap in this cute little stiff church outfit, and he said, "hasn't she worn this long enough? Can we take this off her so she can relax?"

I've often wished he had stuck around a little longer. There has been much to rejoice about in our family. Many good times and great blessings that I know, had he still been here, he would have enjoyed.

But, I also know he longed to be where he is...with God...for eternity.

Happy Birthday, Dad.

God took care of Sunday. Of course, again. As always.

I explained to the Praise Team my "sail boat" feeling and they understood. We managed to joke for the rest of the morning using sailing metaphors. It was a good distractor, as well as reminder, that we aren't in charge.

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My girl called me Sunday afternoon sounding awful. She's sick...first time away from home feeling really lousy. She went to the on campus medical thingy and they said she has a severe allergy to mold and dust. Abilene happens to be full of both! She never suffered here in the valley, like many do, but they said it isn't uncommon for out of towners to suffer quite a bit the first year they're there. (Hey, Wendy...how 'bout that...proper use of "they're" and "there".) So, we're praying and hoping she feels better in quick time.

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Sunday night rehearsal was amazing. I couldn't believe I was standing there with mics and narrators and soloists and the music. Time has flown. I mean, just absolutely raced by. Everything was beautiful. We aren't perfect...yet, but we'll be pretty close by the time the 17th rolls around.

One of my favorite things about doing a musical is what happens on the sidelines. Sure, it's a thrill to present...to perform. But the real stuff happens internally on people.

One person told me she felt like she really "belonged" by singing. She hadn't found her place yet, and through this time of practice, she's found friends and a "spot" she feels she fits in.

We have a young soloist who is the very picture of a beautiful, innocent, Godly young woman...growing and changing in the love of Christ. I tear up every time she sings her part because of the sweetness of it.

There are children singing with all their heart!

There are the "not-so-young" singing for the first time and learning new things.

We have close to professional people doing their thing on a solo...knocking our socks off every time.

We have fellowship, and laughter, and tears. Hard work, frustration, and "oops...let's try that again."

But my very favorite part is when I look around and realize, nobody is watching me any longer...now understand, I am the director...or at least I play one every Sunday, and most director's get a little cranky when you don't watch their lead...but when they aren't watching me, they are worshipping. Full-on-lost-in-the-moment worship.

That's the best part...the very best part.